Celtic are plotting a January swoop for Preston North End defender Ben Davies, according to Football Insider.

Celtic were heavily linked with Davies over the course of the summer transfer window, as Neil Lennon looked to bolster his defensive options at Parkhead.

Davies has been a key player for Preston since returning from a loan spell at Fleetwood Town in 2017, with the defender producing a string of impressive performances for Alex Neil's side.

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The 25-year-old is out of contract at Deepdale at the end of the season, with the club reportedly set to open talks with Davies over a new deal at North End.

If they struggle to tie Davies down to a new deal at Deepdale, then Preston may be forced to cash in in January, rather than potentially lose him for free next summer.

According to Football Insider, Celtic will try and take advantage in January, and the Glasgow side are keeping tabs on Davies' situation heading into the winter.

The Verdict

It's such a dilemma for Alex Neil and for Preston.

They obviously want to tie Davies down to a new deal at Deepdale given his importance to the team and his potential.

But if they can't agree terms on a new deal, then North End can't afford to hang about, as they will not want to lose the defender for nothing next summer.

It may be wise to cash in in January having refused to do in the summer.